Systems and methods for providing multicast routing in an overlay network

Abstract

An information handling system is provided. The information handling system includes a first hypervisor running on a first host and a second hypervisor running on a second host. The first hypervisor managing a first virtual switch, and the second hypervisor managing a second virtual switch. The information handling system also includes a plurality of virtual machines (VMs), including a first VM, which is part of a first tenant, running on the first host, and a second VM, part of a second tenant, running on the second host. The first virtual switch has a mapping in memory that maps a customer-specific multicast IP address, used by the plurality of VMs to indicate a multicast group that includes VMs on the first and second tenants, to a global multicast IP address used by the first and second hosts.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Technical Field[0002]The present disclosure is related to information handling systems. In particular, embodiments disclosed herein are related to multicast routing in a virtualized network environment.[0003]2. Discussion of Related Art[0004]As the value and use of information continues to increase, individuals and businesses seek additional ways to process and store information. One option available to users is information handling systems. An information handling system generally processes, compiles, stores, and / or communicates information or data for business, personal, or other purposes thereby allowing users to take advantage of the value of the information. Because technology and information handling needs and requirements vary between different users or applications, information handling systems may also vary regarding what information is handled, how the information is handled, how much information is processed, stored, or communicated, and how quickly and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

This patent describes a system for managing multicast groups in an information handling system. The system includes a first hypervisor and a second hypervisor running on separate host machines. A plurality of virtual machines are running on these host machines, with the second hypervisor managing a second virtual switch running on the second host. The virtual machines can belong to different customers or tenants, and the system ensures that multicast groups can be effectively managed across these different entities. The technical effects of this patent include efficient management of multicast groups and improved network performance.

Problems solved by technology

Additionally, some data center customers may need very large numbers of virtual machines.

However, there are several issues with using that approach such as the number of tenants, the requirements for the network to support a large number of MAC addresses (one per VM), and challenges with transporting the traffic over routed infrastructure.

Additionally, managing large VLANs in such environments can be difficult.

However, currently available implementations have not been entirely satisfactory.

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